Fernie Boys at Big Mountain Battle Finals in Aspen

Luke and Ryland Nelson arrived in Aspen yesterday evening to begin their weekend getaway in Aspen, Colorado. Posh accommodation, a shopping spree, and the opportunity to compete in the final event - Battle in the Bowls, are all part of this winning package the duo received after competing in the Big Mountain Battle in Fernie, February 13.

"Luke and I have arrived in Aspen and just woke up to 25cm of fresh blower! It's gonna be a great day to check out the mountain and scope out the course for tomorrow's Helly Hansen Battle in the Bowls," says Ryland.

"We are staying in some luxury accommodation here in Aspen and get to go on a Helly Hansen shopping spree tonight as part of our prize package for winning the Fernie event! Tomorrow is the event and you might be able to watch live on www.bigmountainbattle.com."

Fernie was one of seven hills the Big Mountain Battle was held at, other venues included Revelstoke, Taos, Snow Valley, Sun Peaks, Stevens Pass, and Smugglers Notch.

Here is last year's course for the category Luke and Ryland will be competing in, top three finishing teams win a cash prize and they will receive this year's course tomorrow morning.

Competitive Category:
Teams must complete the following hikes/ runs:

1 hike to the summit of Highlands Bowl- can ski any run they like from there.
(Dory Pole on summit)
1 hike to the Rock Outcrop Gate of Highlands Bowl (flat spot just past big red rock outcrop), and descend from there (Dory Pole at Gate)
1 hike to Canopy Cruiser Gate (where the cat drops off) - ski Hyde Park to Canopy Cruiser
2 different runs down Steeplechase. (for example Kessler's, Soddbuster)
3 runs down No Name Bowl/ Olympic Bowl. For Example- No Name, Deception, Aces and Eights (Dory Pole at Bottom of No Name on traverse) Only need to go around this pole once, during the No Name run. Oly Bowl run has no Dory Pole)
1 Run down Moment of Truth
1 Run down Thunder Bowl
1 Run down Powder Bowl (with Dory Pole at top of Powder Bowl, past High School chairlift)

We're following the duo and receiving updates, and will keep you posted on how these Fernie boys represent! Good luck Ryland and Luke!